MCLEAN, Va. – “I listened to your turnaround plan and was hoping you would unveil bigger and bolder details. Please take the time to read my letter, as these are the types of steps I want to see your brand take,” wrote Matthew Corrin, CEO of Freshii, in an open letter to McDonald’s CEO Steve Easterbrook. 

USA Today writes that Corrin, the 33-year-old founder of the fast-growing QSR Freshii, famous for its better-for-your fast-food options that include whole grain wraps, pressed juices and fresh salads, virtually dares McDonald's to co-brand a Freshii store inside one of its 14,000 locations anywhere in the United States.

Now in 13 countries, Corrin wrote that Freshii is “dedicated to changing the way the world eats. And we are on-trend: we reached our first 100 restaurants in under 10 years, less time than it took McDonald’s. Last week we opened six new Freshii locations. We're going fast for the sake of our nation, but I fear it's not fast enough. Even at this rate of growth, it will take decades for Freshii to have a material impact approaching that of McDonald's.”

Corrin continues that Americans should not have to wait so long to access healthier alternatives. “That is why I am issuing the following challenge to your company: Partner with us. Save the world, and help yourselves.”

He calls out McDonald’s on its less-than-positive headlines over the past year, noting the recent woes the global QSR has realized with drops in U.S. sales and underwhelming consumer perception of the fast-food chain, as well as franchisee angst.

“The reality is that McDonald's is stagnating and your growth days are over. You are struggling with declining same-store sales, offering franchisees inadequate leadership and fumbling through your menu rather than adding healthier options. But this apparent conflict – fast food vs. fresh food – is a false dichotomy. As an industry, and as a nation, we can have both,” writes Corrin.

“Today, I issue a challenge to McDonald’s: Take a risk, be agile and step into the future. Learn how the fresh revolution will improve American lives and your own bottom line,” he says, challenging McDonald’s to co-brand a Freshii outlet in one of its stores for a year. “My studies indicate that this move will pay for itself, increasing same store sales by 30% and boosting annual profits by $250,000 per unit.” And if Freshii doesn’t deliver, Corrin promises to refund McDonald’s the difference.

“Imagine a fast-food industry that is respected and growing again, rather than shunned and shrinking,” Corrin continues, urging Easterbrook “to do something bold” in his first year as CEO of the largest restaurant chain in the world. “Take a step into a greener future. Act thoughtfully. I’ll take the risk with you. You’ll be ‘loving it’, and America’s waistline, and your bottom line, will both be the winners.”